HVAC Trades - A.O.S.
There's a growing demand nationwide for technicians specializing in heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) and refrigeration. Climate-control systems are becoming increasingly sophisticated, necessitating the need for advanced training.
Courses in the new major include hands-on labs specializing in the installation, troubleshooting and repair of HVAC systems, in addition to computers, motor controls, commercial refrigeration, and plumbing. It will also incorporate business and humanities courses to further prepare students for their professional careers.
With energy costs at their current level, this program leads to employment opportunities across the U.S. and around the globe. It also provides excellent preparation for entry into baccalaureate programs such as Sustainable Energy Technology or Industrial Technology Management at SUNY Canton. Students also pursue baccalaureate degrees at other institutions.
Students in this Major:
- Communicate effectively and professionally in the building environment through proper use of verbal, written, and graphic techniques.
- Develop mathematical skills in algebra, trigonometry, and calculus, using analytical problem solving methods.
- Be proficient and apply mathematics, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and principle of heat transfer to air conditioning designs.
- Employ logical and concise analytical techniques to solve technical problems.
- Demonstrate the capability to develop engineering drawings for HVAC projects.
- Develop skills using specific codes, ASHRAE standards and handbooks.
- Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of HVAC components and how to use as a system to maintain design conditions.

Employment statistics are from the Bureau of Labor Statistics 2020-2030 Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Career Opportunities:
- Service Technicians
- HVAC Contractors
- Designers
- HVAC Sales
- Controls Specialists
Recent Employers of SUNY Canton Graduates:
- Day Automation Systems
- Prax Air, Inc.
- Central New York Trane
- Siemens
- Thomas Associates
- T.P. Woodside, Inc.
- Galson Engineering
- Bomac
- Hyde-Stone
- NEPCO
- GEMMA Power Systems
Admission Requirements:
- Refer to the table of high school course prerequisites for admission.
- Students must be qualified to enter Intermediate Algebra (MATH 106)
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS (Curriculum 2953)
The following shows the typical course sequence and program requirements.
Semester I Credits
Prefix | Course Name | Credits |
---|---|---|
CONS 151 | Building Trades - Blueprint Reading and Drafting | 2 |
MATH 106 | Intermediate Algebra | 3 |
ENGL 101 | Composition and the Spoken Word (GER 10) | 3 |
HVAC 103 | Heating Systems I | 3 |
HVAC 104 | Heating Lab I | 2 |
SOET 101 | Intro to Computer Usage | 1 |
TOTAL CREDITS | 14 |
Semester II Credits
Prefix | Course Name | Credits |
---|---|---|
HVAC 101 | Refrigeration I | 2 |
HVAC 102 | Refrigeration I Lab | 3 |
HVAC 105 | Heating Systems II | 3 |
HVAC 106 | Residential & Light Commercial Installation | 2 |
HVAC 110 | Plumbing | 3 |
Liberal Arts Elective | 3 | |
TOTAL CREDITS | 16 |
Semester III Credits
Prefix | Course Name | Credits |
---|---|---|
CITA 108 | Spreadsheets | 1 |
HVAC 201 | HVAC Electrical and Motor Control | 2 |
HVAC 202 | HVAC Electrical and Motor Control Lab | 2 |
HVAC 205 | HVAC Service, Troubleshooting & Repair | 3 |
GER Elective | 3 | |
Humanities | 3 | |
TOTAL CREDITS | 14 |
Semester IV Credits
Prefix | Course Name | Credits |
---|---|---|
ACHP 105 | Refrigeration SYSTEM Design | 2 |
AREA 210 | Sustainable Building | 3 |
HVAC 203 | Commercial Refrigeration | 2 |
HVAC 204 | Commercial Refrigeration Lab II | 3 |
GER Elective | 3 | |
GER Elective | 3 | |
TOTAL CREDITS | 16 |
1 Mathematics level depends on previous preparation, Applied College Mathematics (MATH 101) is the minimum requirement.
Additional Graduation Requirements
Total Semester Credit Hours - G.P.A. 2.0 min
Review the Index of Course Descriptions
HVAC Trades
Paul Todd
Curriculum Coordinator
315-386-7975
todd111@canton.edu
Fall Enrollment Trends
FT | PT | Total | |
2022 | 15 | 1 | 16 |
2021 | 13 | 2 | 15 |
2020 | 21 | 1 | 22 |
2019 | 15 | 0 | 15 |
Graduation Rate Trends*
Cohort Entering | Cohort Size | % |
Fall 2019 | 7 | 57% |
*Graduate rates are based on first-time, full-time, degree-seeking freshmen entering in fall and graduating within 150% of time.
Degrees Conferred
Total | |
2021-22 | 5 |
2020-21 | 9 |
2019-20 | 3 |